As the air turns chilly and the leaves begin to turn their beautiful, fall hues, a slow cooker full of this good, old-fashioned autumn butternut beef stew welcomes you and your loved ones to cozy up to the dinner table.
Wholesome. Hearty. Warm. Comforting. This lovely, nourishing stew is everything you want a fall or winter soup to be. It's chock full of tender beef and the typical root vegetables - potatoes, carrots, and onions. But really makes this beef stew downright amazing is the fact that it's loaded with butternut squash. This savory use of pumpkin just gives this soup such a fun, fall twist that has been loved by my family over the years.
Another thing to love about this stew is that it's a slow cooker recipe! All the ingredients are tossed in the crock pot and simmered to perfection. That is, with the exception of the butternut squash which is added halfway through the cook time. The slow cooker does all the work and you won't be standing over the stove for hours tending to dinner.
Gluten and Dairy Free
Yes, just another reason to love this dish! This stew is gluten and dairy free just as written. There is no need to tweak this one for gluten or dairy intolerant loved ones. While some stews require flour to thicken the broth, this one utilizes a bit of corn starch. It's hearty, filling, and, being free of common allergens, it's perfect for serving up dinner to family or friends with sensitivities.
Go ahead. Make this nourishing, flavorful autumn butternut beef stew for dinner! If it's as much of a win with your family as it has been with mine, it's sure to become a regular part of your fall/winter soup rotation.
Autumn Butternut Beef Stew Ingredients
3-4 lbs. Beef Roast or Stew Meat, cubed (I like to use a top round roast)
4-5 c. Butternut Squash, Peeled and Cubed
3 Medium-Sized Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
3 Carrots, Peeled and Diced
1 Medium-Sized Onion, Diced
1 Rib Celery, Diced
4 Tbsp. Butter, Divided
5 c. Water
3 Tbsp. Beef Flavor Better Than Bullion
¼ c. Cornstarch
1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
2 tsp. Pepper
2 tsp. Thyme
2 Bay Leaves
Salt, to Taste
How to Make Autumn Butternut Beef Stew
To begin, cut the beef into cubes about 1 - 1 ½ inches thick. In a skillet or frying pan, sear the cubed beef on medium-high heat in 2 Tbsp. butter. Sear the beef on two sides. No need to worry about cooking the beef all the way through - hours in the slow cooker will accomplish that!
When the Beef has been seared, remove it from the pan and add to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Keep the pan on the stovetop and add the 5 cups of water, along with the beef flavored Better Than Bullion, and cornstarch. Use a whisk to dissolve them into the water. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter, the onion powder, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk occasionally until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes before turning the heat off completely. The broth you've crafted should be nicely thickened into a beautiful, rich gravy.
Chop and dice the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery and add them to the crock pot. Feel free to peel and dice the butternut squash awhile but do not add it to the stew yet. Simply, put it in the refrigerator for later!
After the veggies have been added to the slow cooker, pour the rich, brown broth/gravy over everything. Tuck the 2 bay leaves into broth.
Put the lid on the slow cooker and set the temperature to low.
Cook for 4 hours, then, add the cubed butternut squash. Using a large spoon, stir everything together well before replacing the lid.
Continue to cook for another 3 ½ hours. Before serving, sample the stew and add salt to taste. Gently stir to combine. Remove the bay leaves.
Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions: The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew
Your hearty Autumn Butternut Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for the fall/winter seasons. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most of this satisfying meal:
- Warm, Fresh Bread: Serve your beef stew with warm, fresh bread on the side. A slice of Amish white bread or Amish honey wheat bread with butter and jelly are our go-to choice. Or a hunk of sourdough is perfect for dipping into the rich, savory broth!
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle your stew with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or thyme leaves. These herbs add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, enhancing both its flavor and presentation.
- A Dollop of Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of your beef stew adds a delightful creaminess and a slightly tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.
- Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar jack or regular cheddar cheese on your stew just before serving. The melted cheese adds a layer of richness and depth to each spoonful.
- Fresh Salad: Balance the heartiness of your stew with a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a kale and apple salad, provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and comforting stew.
- Dessert with Warm Spices: Round off your autumn spread with a dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. Apple crisp and pumpkin pie are always good choices!
Whether you choose to enjoy your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew with bread, or a side salad, or choose to eat it just as it is, the cozy and inviting flavors of this dish are so warm and satisfying.
Storage Suggestions:
Autumn Butternut Beef Stew is not only a delicious and hearty meal but also one that's perfect for batch cooking and enjoying leftovers. To make the most of your stew and ensure it stays fresh and flavorful, follow these storage suggestions:
Refrigeration: If you have leftover stew that you plan to consume within a few days, refrigeration is the way to go. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of odors from the fridge. Properly stored, your stew will remain safe and tasty for up to 5-7 days.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, freezing your stew is a great option. Ensure the stew is at room temperature before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the stew freezes. Properly frozen, your stew can last for up to 3-4 months without significant loss of quality.
By following these storage suggestions, you can enjoy your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew whenever you crave it's comforting flavors, whether it's a few days or several months after you've prepared it.
PrintAutumn Butternut Beef Stew
This delicious autumn butternut beef stew welcomes you and your loved ones to cozy up to the dinner table when the weather turns chilly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 ½ hrs.
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs. Beef Roast or Stew Meat, cubed (I like to use a top round roast)
- 4-5 c. Butternut Squash, Peeled and Cubed
- 3 Medium-Sized Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
- 3 Carrots, Peeled and Diced
- 1 Medium-Sized Onion, Diced
- 1 Rib Celery, Diced
- 4 Tbsp. Butter, Divided
- 5 c. Water
- 3 Tbsp. Beef Flavor Better Than Bullion
- ¼ c. Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
- 2 tsp. Pepper
- 2 tsp. Thyme
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Salt, to Taste
Instructions
- To begin, cut the beef into cubes about 1 - 1 ½ inches thick. In a skillet or frying pan, sear the cubed beef on medium-high heat in 2 Tbsp. butter. Sear the beef on two sides. No need to worry about cooking the beef all the way through - hours in the slow cooker will accomplish that!
- When the Beef has been seared, remove it from the pan and add to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Keep the pan on the stovetop and add the 5 cups of water, along with the beef flavored Better Than Bullion, and cornstarch. Use a whisk to dissolve them into the water. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter, the onion powder, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk occasionally until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes before turning the heat off completely. The broth you've crafted should be nicely thickened into a beautiful, rich gravy.
- Chop and dice the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery and add them to the crock pot. Feel free to peel and dice the butternut squash awhile but do not add it to the stew yet. Simply, put it in the refrigerator for later!
- After the veggies have been added to the slow cooker, pour the rich, brown broth/gravy over everything. Tuck the 2 bay leaves into broth.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and set the temperature to low.
- Cook for 4 hours, then, add the cubed butternut squash. Using a large spoon, stir everything together well before replacing the lid.
- Continue to cook for another 3 ½ hours. Before serving, sample the stew and add salt to taste. Gently stir to combine. Don't forget to remove the bay leaves!
Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions: The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew
Your hearty Autumn Butternut Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for the fall season. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most of this satisfying meal:
-
- Warm, Fresh Bread: Serve your beef stew with warm, fresh bread on the side. A slice of Amish white bread or Amish honey wheat bread with butter and jelly are our go-to choice. Or a hunk of sourdough is perfect for dipping into the rich, savory broth!
-
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle your stew with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or thyme leaves. These herbs add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, enhancing both its flavor and presentation.
-
- A Dollop of Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of your beef stew adds a delightful creaminess and a slightly tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.
-
- Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar jack or regular cheddar cheese on your stew just before serving. The melted cheese adds a layer of richness and depth to each spoonful.
-
- Fresh Salad: Balance the heartiness of your stew with a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a kale and apple salad, provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and comforting stew.
-
- Dessert with Warm Spices: Round off your autumn spread with a dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. Apple crisp and pumpkin pie are always good choices!
Whether you choose to enjoy your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew with bread, a side salad, or choose to just it just as it is, the cozy and inviting flavors of this dish will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
Storage Suggestions:
Autumn Butternut Beef Stew is not only a delicious and hearty meal but also one that's perfect for batch cooking and enjoying leftovers. To make the most of your stew and ensure it stays fresh and flavorful, follow these storage suggestions:
Refrigeration: If you have leftover stew that you plan to consume within a few days, refrigeration is the way to go. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of odors from the fridge. Properly stored, your stew will remain safe and tasty for up to 5-7 days.
Freezing: For longer-term storage, freezing your stew is a great option. Ensure the stew is at room temperature before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the stew freezes. Properly frozen, your stew can last for up to 3-4 months without significant loss of quality.
By following these storage suggestions, you can enjoy your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew whenever you crave its comf
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